Optical Charging Transmitter with Diffuser Film

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices and methods for charging electronic devices are typically bulky, slow, and incompatible with standard USB protocols and hardware interfaces, necessitating a high-speed, high-bandwidth solution compatible with USB standards.

Innovation Solution

A system and method utilizing a transmitter with a power module, power charging laser, and diffuser film, paired with a receiver containing PV cells and a laser/LED diode, enabling optical charging and communication through standard USB interfaces, where the laser emits diffused light received by PV cells and a signal from the LED diode controls power output.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If existing charging devices and methods are used, then charging functionality is provided, but the devices are bulky and charging speed is slow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging speedVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical electrical contact charging systems with an optical charging system using lasers and photovoltaic cells. The transmitter uses a laser to transmit optical energy wirelessly to the receiver's PV cells, eliminating the need for bulky physical connectors and cables, thereby reducing device size while enabling faster charging speeds through direct optical energy transfer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of energy transmission from electrical current through conductors to optical energy through light. By using laser light with specific wavelengths that match the PV cell absorption characteristics, the system achieves higher energy transfer efficiency and faster charging speeds while maintaining a compact form factor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing charging devices and methods are used, then charging functionality is provided, but compatibility with standard USB protocols and hardware interfaces is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUSB compatibilityVSAvoidprotocol compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal charging system where the optical transmitter can work with standard USB power sources (adapting to existing USB protocols and hardware interfaces) while the optical receiver can charge various electronic devices. The system maintains compatibility with USB standards through the power module that interfaces with USB ports, enabling broad adaptability without sacrificing reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a power module as an intermediary between the optical charging system and standard USB interfaces. This intermediary component translates between optical energy transmission and USB electrical protocols, ensuring reliable compatibility with standard USB hardware and protocols while maintaining the advantages of optical charging

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If optical charging components are added, then charging speed increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into integrated components: the transmitter combines laser generation, optical transmission, and USB power interface in a single unit, while the receiver integrates PV cells, rectification circuitry, and USB output in one module. This consolidation maintains high charging efficiency through optimized optical-to-electrical conversion while reducing overall system complexity through functional integration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables efficient, high-speed charging and optical communication compatible with standard USB interfaces, providing a compact and high-bandwidth solution for electronic devices.

Implementation Method 1

the power charging laser emits a laser light diffused by the diffuser film and received by the PV cells

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic Effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

a power charging laser emits a laser light diffused by the diffuser film

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 3

laser light diffused by the diffuser film

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 4

the transmitter further comprises a photon detector configured to receive a signal from the laser/LED diode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9941965B2Laser and optical charging and communications device and method of use

Publication Date: 2018.04.10 FLEXTRONICS AP LLC

AI summary

Techniques for charging and optical communication with electronic devices are provided. Specifically, systems and methods to provide charging through laser or optical means and to provide optical communications are presented. Even more specifically, in one embodiment, the systems and methods comprise standard USB interfaces, USB protocols and USB connectors.